A stye (sty) or hordeolum is an infection of a follicle or gland at the base of an eyelash. A small boil may appear at the margin of the eyelid but, in some cases, the infection can be so deep that only swelling and redness can be seen. A stye, even when recurrent, is not infectious and usually goes away by itself.

What are the symptoms of a stye?

• Slight swelling at the margin of an eyelid. It may fill with pus and become a small boil, which either gradually disappears or ruptures by itself.
• Itch.
• Very mild pain.

What causes a stye?
Infection sets in when an oil gland, or a follicle, becomes clogged with dirt or oil.

What you can do

• A stye normally heals by itself within 2 weeks.
• Apply a hot compress using a hot towel for about 5 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, and gently massage the area. This will unclog the follicle or gland and hasten the boils to rupture.
• Consult a doctor if the inflammation persists for more than 2 weeks, styes recur, or the stye rubs against the eye and irritates it.

What your doctor can do for you
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment.